The Great Recession and Child Health and Behavior

During the ?Great Recession,? which officially lasted from December 2007 through June 2009, gross domestic product and employment declined more than in any recession since that of 1981-1982. Millions experienced layoffs, reduced work hours, wage cuts and difficulty finding new jobs. Low- and middle-income families, who do not have substantial assets, also experienced increased housing instability due to these labor market changes and the collapse in housing values. This confluence of increased labor market and housing market instability led to sharply increased foreclosures, evictions, spells of homelessness, doubling-up to share expenses, and frequent moves. The Great Recession and the subsequent weak recovery may be exacting an especially high toll on black families, and exacerbating existing economic, social, and health disparities. This new research project would analyze new information on health and behavior for approximately 400 children living in approximately 275 families in Southeast Michigan.